BACKGROUND

Recent changes in health care delivery and financing have prompted interest in medical outcomes research. This study was performed to assess the effect of general surgical procedures on the health status of patients over time.

METHODS

The functional health status of patients undergoing elective surgical procedures was measured preoperatively, in the immediate postoperative period, and three and six months after surgery. Complete data were collected for 82 patients presenting to the general surgery service at the Ohio State University Medical Center for symptoms related to gallbladder disease (21), hemorrhoids (10), inguinal and incisional hernias (37), and clinically severe obesity (14). The Short Form-36 health status questionnaire was administered before the surgical procedure, at the first postoperative visit, and by telephone three months and six months following surgery. Hospital records were reviewed following the procedures, and preoperative anesthesiologist's risk status, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and complications were noted. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire developed by Ohio State University.

RESULTS

For all four elective procedures, a significant improvement in health status was demonstrated when preoperative function was compared to measurements three and six months postoperatively. Improvement was significant in all eight categories assessed, encompassing physical, social, mental, emotional, and general health, and pain relief. Dramatic improvement was reported by patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for clinically severe obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Short Form-36 health status questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in assessing patient outcomes following elective surgical procedures. The general health status assessment will be especially useful for documenting the effectiveness of routine and innovative therapies.